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justreaditalreadypod's review
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
emilyfedewa's review
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
this is the first translation work I've read and I really liked it! the writing style wasn't my absolute favorite - it felt a bit juvenile, but that's probably because of Juno's age and relative immaturity. there were some jaw dropping moments lmao and I was really into it for the last 100 pages ish. I do feel like it wrapped up a little abruptly though. also I understand that Juno doesn't really understand love or anything so she thought she was in love with Luca but I feel like that could have all been taken out and the story would have been the same idk
nicole_1003's review
4.0
As I delved into Alvar Leon Menger's mysterious world in "What Mother Won't Tell Me," I found myself transported to the remote island of Nordland, shrouded in an air of secrecy and danger. The author crafts a tale that is both eerie and engaging, leaving readers hooked from the very beginning.
The protagonist, Juno, grows up in isolation, surrounded only by Mother, Father, and her little brother, Boy. The atmosphere is thick with fear, and the family lives under seven strict commandments to stay safe from the ominous Strangers lurking on the other side of the lake. This sense of foreboding sets the stage for a narrative that is as chilling as it is captivating.
From the outset, I could sense that something wasn't quite right, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the storyline. Menger masterfully weaves a web of uncertainty, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Juno's encounter with a Stranger sets off a chain of unsettling events.
The beauty of the narrative lies in its ability to make you question everything. As Juno navigates this increasingly threatening reality, the reader, much like the protagonist, starts to unravel the layers of secrets that have been meticulously concealed. The tension builds steadily, and the suspense is palpable, making it impossible to put the book down.
One of the strengths of Menger's writing is the skillful characterization. Juno's realization that she doesn't truly know her parents or herself adds a psychological depth to the story. The intricacies of family dynamics and the lengths Mother and Father will go to keep Juno to themselves evoke a mixture of sympathy and unease.
The remote setting of the cabin in the Nordland forests adds to the overall atmosphere of the book. It becomes a character in itself, enhancing the isolation and heightening the sense of impending danger. The author's vivid descriptions create a world that feels both haunting and enchanting.
In conclusion, "What Mother Won't Tell Me" is a gripping exploration of family secrets, isolation, and the lengths one would go to protect their own. Alvar Leon Menger crafts a tale that keeps you guessing until the very end, leaving you haunted by its eerie charm. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with a touch of the supernatural, this is a must-read that will linger in your thoughts long after you've turned the last page.
The protagonist, Juno, grows up in isolation, surrounded only by Mother, Father, and her little brother, Boy. The atmosphere is thick with fear, and the family lives under seven strict commandments to stay safe from the ominous Strangers lurking on the other side of the lake. This sense of foreboding sets the stage for a narrative that is as chilling as it is captivating.
From the outset, I could sense that something wasn't quite right, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the storyline. Menger masterfully weaves a web of uncertainty, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Juno's encounter with a Stranger sets off a chain of unsettling events.
The beauty of the narrative lies in its ability to make you question everything. As Juno navigates this increasingly threatening reality, the reader, much like the protagonist, starts to unravel the layers of secrets that have been meticulously concealed. The tension builds steadily, and the suspense is palpable, making it impossible to put the book down.
One of the strengths of Menger's writing is the skillful characterization. Juno's realization that she doesn't truly know her parents or herself adds a psychological depth to the story. The intricacies of family dynamics and the lengths Mother and Father will go to keep Juno to themselves evoke a mixture of sympathy and unease.
The remote setting of the cabin in the Nordland forests adds to the overall atmosphere of the book. It becomes a character in itself, enhancing the isolation and heightening the sense of impending danger. The author's vivid descriptions create a world that feels both haunting and enchanting.
In conclusion, "What Mother Won't Tell Me" is a gripping exploration of family secrets, isolation, and the lengths one would go to protect their own. Alvar Leon Menger crafts a tale that keeps you guessing until the very end, leaving you haunted by its eerie charm. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with a touch of the supernatural, this is a must-read that will linger in your thoughts long after you've turned the last page.
metella's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
bookwitch76's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.75
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